Clubs decide to end League Two campaign now

SALFORD City and Oldham look to have finished their season after League Two clubs unanimously indicated they are in favour of ending their campaign now.

However, the decision looks to have scuppered Stockport County’s hopes of securing promotion back to the Football League, with the fourth-tier clubs recommending there be no relegation into the National League this season.

Rochdale and the rest of League One, however, were unable to decide on what their next move will be, and will meet again on

Monday to try and make a decision.

The EFL confirmed the view of League Two clubs had been formed after considering the return-to-play protocols and attached costs of resuming the campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The top three clubs in League Two decided on an unweighted points-per-game system - Swindon, Crewe and Plymouth will be promoted, Exeter, Cheltenham, Colchester and Northampton will go into play-offs to decide the final slot into League One.

Although bottom club Stevenage won’t be relegated from League Two, due to the expulsion of Bury from the league earlier this year, National League leaders Barrow are expected to be promoted to return the top four divisions to 92 clubs.

However, that would end the need for National League play-offs to decide the usual second promotion spot into the Football League.

Stockport were in the final playoff spot when the season was brought to an end by the pandemic.

The League Two decision won’t be confirmed until League One clubs have decided on their plans. It then has to be ratified by the EFL and the FA.

Championship clubs, meanwhile, are still committed to resuming their season.

An EFL statement read: “Having considered the protocols and costs that would be required to be met to conclude the current season, League Two clubs have unanimously indicated a preferred direction of travel to curtail the campaign in line with the framework outlined by the EFL board.

“In addition, clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019-20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures cannot be completed.

“No commitments were made in this respect and the board will now consider the implications of the division’s preferred approach at their next meeting.

“There were varied views shared in League One and it was determined that there would be a further period of reflection and consultation.”